BBL 2018-19, Match 38, Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Renegades, Match Prediction – Weather report, Pitch conditions, Playing XIs and Live streaming details

This is the battle between the third and fourth placed teams.

Published - 21 Jan 2019, 14:09 IST | Updated - 21 Jan 2019, 14:09 IST

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The battle for the top four has become intensive in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL). While Hobart Hurricanes have almost sealed their place in the knockouts, all the other seven teams are still in the contention for the remaining three spots. In the 38th match of the season, the Sydney Thunder will host the Melbourne Renegades at the Showground Stadium.

The Thunder were robbed of the two valuable points at The Gabba a couple of days ago against the Brisbane Heat. They had reduced the home side to 10/2 after three overs while defending a huge total which they posted on the back of a scintillating century from their skipper Shane Watson. But the floodlight failure in the Stadium with no proper backup led to the game being called off.

The controversy was stretched when the franchise demanded two points and then Brendon McCullum lashed out at them. But Shane Watson would be hoping that the focus shifts back to cricket as they are still placed at the fourth position in the points table and have a chance to climb to the second spot.

The Renegades, on the other hand, are coming off a thumping defeat in the Melbourne derby. Though Aaron Finch’s extended stay in the team will help the team now while the batsmen, more importantly, should start contributing consistently to the team’s cause. They have been exceptional so far in the season so far and are at the third position with five wins and as many losses to their name.

Pitch and Conditions

The Thunder have won three matches out of four at the venue this year and would be thrilled to come back. The scores have on an average hovered around and the same is expected for this game as well. As far as the weather is concerned, there is a lot of rain in the lead up to the game. But the heavens are expected to spare the fans and the organisers as the match won’t be affected by rain according to the Accuweather.

Team Combinations

Sydney Thunder

Jason Sangha and Sam Rainbird are back in the 13-man squad for the Thunder and both might play in the XI. Sangha will most probably replace either Arjun Nair or Jono Cook in the line-up while one of Gurinder Sandhu or Rainbird will play. Anton Devcich and Watson will open the innings while Callum Ferguson and Sangha will come in next. Daniel Sams has been very useful with his all-round contribution with Jay Lenton as the wicketkeeping option.

Chris Green has also proved his mettle with the bat at the death but his forte is bowling and has been at the top of his mark in that aspect as well.

Probable XI: Anton Devcich, Shane Watson (c), Callum Ferguson, Jason Sangha, Daniel Sams, Jay Lenton (wk), Chris Green, Chris Jordan, Jonathan Cook/Arjun Nair, Gurinder Sandhu/Sam Rainbird, Fawad Ahmed.

Melbourne Renegades

The Renegades have made three changes to their squad from the previous game. Jack Wildermuth and Joe Mennie have been dropped while Marcus Harris has departed to join the Aussie Test squad for Sri Lanka series. Chris Tremain, Beau Webster and Jon Holland have returned to the setup.

Sam Harper will be back at the top and he will open alongside Aaron Finch while Tom Cooper, Cameron White and Mohammad Nabi follow them. Wildermuth is likely to be replaced by Holland with the pitch assisting the spinners. Kane Richardson is the highest wicket-taker of this season so far and Harry Gurney hasn’t done any wrong as well.

Probable XI: Sam Harper (wk), Aaron Finch (c), Tom Cooper, Cameron White, Mohammad Nabi, Beau Webster, Daniel Christian, Cameron Boyce, Jon Holland, Kane Richardson, Harry Gurney.